It was confirmed over the weekend that Irish lightweight Paul Hughes, one of the most promising fighters in mixed martial arts, has signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
The former Cage Warriors champion’s contract was confirmed by the organization on Saturday and comes after intense speculation about his relationship with the UFC.
However, Hughes said the UFC could not financially compete with the PFL in terms of acquiring his signature.
“It’s definitely not a meaningful offer,” he said of the money offered by one of the world’s leading MMA promotion companies. “They came to me with an offer and I know my value in this game and the PFL knows my value in this game and they are willing to invest in me. So people think it’s going to be difficult.” It was the easiest decision of my life. Once you weigh the contracts, participating in a PFL tournament is a very easy decision. ”
Under the terms of his PFL contract, Hughes will fight three times in 2024 and earn a spot in both the 2025 and 2026 PFL lightweight tournaments, with the winner receiving a check for $1 million.
“It’s really a testament to them to test free agency and then be promoted as quickly as the PFL,” Hughes told Sky Sports. “They obviously believe in me, they believe in my skills, and at the end of the day, I’m the best in the world, so it makes sense for them to come and get me. I’m happy that I was able to reach my highest grade.” Deal less than two weeks after the fight. So I’m incredibly excited right now.
“In my opinion, the PFL Million Dollar Tournament is without a doubt one of the toughest competitions in all of sports,” he added. “Four fights in 10 months, fighting for $1 million in prize money and the ultimate glory of a world title. That’s an easy sell, dude. I think I’m the best in the world. I believe, I believe I have all the skills and I believe I will be a millionaire by the end of next year.”
Hughes joins Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul and Katie Taylor opponent Amanda Serrano as recent PFL signings, featuring Patricio ‘Pitful’ Freire, Shane Burgos, Clay Collard and Brent Primus. He joined the lightweight roster.
